2.3 Special Baggage
2.3.1 Bulky and Oversized Baggage 2.3.1.1 General
Baggage is bulky/oversized as defined by the operating airline policy and/or its weight exceeds 32 kg/70 lbs.
2.3.1.2 Maximum Single Item Weight
No single piece of checked baggage can be accepted over 32 kg/70 lbs. Airlines may also restrict the weight and/or total dimensions.
If presented, the passenger must:
• Repack it into more pieces, each weighing less than 32 kg/70 lbs, or
• Send it as cargo.
Exception: Special equipment like AVIH, WCH, musical instruments and large sports equipment may be excluded from this rule with prior consent of the carrier.
2.3.2 Cabin Seat Baggage (CBBG) 2.3.2.1 Definition
Cabin Seat Baggage is baggage not usually suitable for loading in the aircraft hold. Such baggage may include:
• musical instruments;
• works of art;
• electronic equipment;
• diplomatic baggage;
• valuable baggage;
Operating airline policy will dictate the acceptance of CBBG. If not accepted, it can travel as hold checked baggage providing packaging is appropriate.
2.3.2.2 Loading and Lashing Cabin Seat Baggage
If applicable, Staff approved by the operating airline are responsible for securing, loading and lashing of bulky, oversize, fragile or valuable baggage in the cabin.
2.3.3 Crew Baggage
Crew baggage may be presented at check-in, or airside and should be clearly identified with a crew label as well as all flight details.
2.3.4 Delivery at Aircraft (DAA) 2.3.4.1 Applicability
As per the operating airline policy, apply the “delivery at aircraft” procedure for:
• fully collapsible baby strollers and pushchairs; (larger baby carriages/prams must be checked-in).
• wheel chairs and mobility devices which are not needed during the flight and cannot be stored in the cabin.
• regular carry-on baggage on small aircraft with limited stowage space in the cabin.
Do not use the “delivery at aircraft” procedure for expensive items (e.g. laptop computers, large video cameras, etc.), valuable or important documents, etc., as such items should remain with the passenger.
2.3.4.2 Procedure at Boarding Gate
Ensure DAA pieces and WCH and their loading position are noted on the Load Message under SI–Remark.
If applicable, inform the flight deck crew of the number of DAA bags.
2.3.4.3 Procedure at Arrival
Upon arrival:
• As per the LDM and/or crew request, unload the DAA items/baggage and delivery to the aircraft door.
2.3.4.4 Security Procedure for Ad-Hoc Disembarking Passengers
If a passenger disembarks, check if any DAA baggage has been loaded for the passenger.
• When in doubt, perform a full DAA baggage identification.
2.3.5 Sporting Equipment
Generally, sporting equipment will be presented as separate pieces of checked baggage.
Accept sporting equipment as per operating airline procedure.
• Apply procedures for fees and charges, and special handling if required.
• Use limited release tag if applicable.
• Load as per operating airline instructions.
2.3.6 Wheelchairs and Mobility Aid Devices
2.3.6.1 Handling Wheel Chairs/Mobility Aid Devices
Apply the “delivery at aircraft” procedure when personal collapsible wheel chairs/mobility aid devices are taken to the gate. Verify with and advise the passenger accordingly. Ensure the wheel chair/mobility aid has a name label, DAA tag and destination tag on it.
• If applicable, issue a NOTOC and advise the pilot in command of the location of the wheel chair or mobility aid device.
• Stow and secure the wheel chair/mobility aid device to prevent unintentional operation and ensure it is protected from being damaged by the movement of baggage, mail or cargo.
2.3.6.2 Wheelchairs/Mobility Aid Devices with Batteries
There are two main types of batteries used with wheel chairs or mobility aid devices:
Type of battery Description
Non-spillable battery • Dry battery (including integrated battery)
• Gel type battery
• Wet (sealed) battery
• Lithium-ion battery
Spillable battery • *Wet battery (*check operating airline policy) All such batteries must be hold-checked.
2.3.6.3 Accepting Wheelchairs/Mobility Aid Devices with Non-Spillable Batteries
Pre-notification may be required and acceptance is subject to operating airline approval.
• Battery terminals must be insulated to prevent accidental short circuits, e.g. by being enclosed within a battery container.
• Battery must be securely attached to the wheel chair.
2.3.6.4 Accepting Wheel Chairs/Mobility Aid Devices with Spillable Batteries
(only if accepted by the operating airline)
Pre-notification is required and acceptance is subject to operating airline approval.
• Packing rules:
○ Wheel chair must be loaded, stowed, secured and unloaded while maintaining an upright position.
○ Battery terminals must be insulated to prevent accidental short circuits, e.g. by being enclosed within a battery container.
○ Battery must be securely attached to the wheel chair.
• If the wheelchair cannot remain upright while being loaded, stowed, secured and unloaded, then apply the following packing rules:
• Battery must be carried in strong, rigid packaging as follows:
○ The outside packaging must be leak-tight, impervious to battery fluid and protected against spilling by securing to pallets or by securing them in cargo compartments using appropriate means of such as restraining straps, brackets or holders.
○ The battery terminals must be protected against short circuits.
○ The battery must be secured upright in the packaging and be surrounded by compatible absorbent material sufficient to absorb its total liquids.
○ The outside packaging must be marked “battery–wet–with wheel chair”.
○ The outside packaging must be labeled with the “corrosive” label.
• Battery must not be loaded if not packaged appropriately.
Baggage Handling Procedures—IGOM
2.3.7 Handling of Pets 2.3.7.1 General
Handling of pets, in accordance with operating airline policy.
There are two methods of carriage:
• PETC–pets carried in the passenger cabin in an approved container (subject to operating airline acceptance policy)
• AVIH–pets carried in the cargo compartment.
2.3.7.2 Animals in Hold (AVIH)
Animals in Hold are transported as checked baggage in the aircraft hold.
• domestic animals such as dogs, cats, birds, etc.;
• other small warm-blooded animals, such as guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, etc.;
• Apply operating airline acceptance procedures with local customs requirements, animal age and health requirements.
Note: Domestic animals of unusual size or wild animals and rodents must be transported as cargo.
2.3.7.3 AVIH Handling
• Only rigid cages with a secure door are accepted.
• A water container must be provided in each cage.
• Only one animal per cage, unless they are used to cohabiting. The cage must be large enough to permit the animal to stand in a natural position, turn around and lie down.
• Animals should be loaded last and unloaded first.
• Minimize time on the ramp to protect animals from wind, rain, noise and extreme temperatures.
• Keep other luggage at least 6 inches away from the container sides to maximize ventilation.
• Natural predators should not be positioned next to each other.
• Do not load animals in the same compartment with dry ice or radioactive materials.
• Exercise caution with cages that have wheels, ensuring the cage cannot roll during loading.
• Cages must be securely attached to the compartment to prevent shifting, using tie down straps.
• Take the deplaning animals immediately to the terminal for claim by their owners.
• Never use the baggage chute to deliver an animal. If the animal cannot be immediately claimed, take the animal to a climate controlled waiting room.
• The Captain and station should be informed of AVIH loading to ensure sufficient heat and airflow are maintained.
2.4 Baggage Handling
2.4.1 Baggage Room Preparation
The baggage room must prepare a sufficient and pre-determined number of baggage carts and containers in proportion to the expected passenger load for a flight.
2.4.1.1 ULD Preparation
• Check that the ULD is in a serviceable condition before using. Use the ULD damage limitation sticker attached to the ULD as a guide.
• Each ULD should have a “Container Card” inside the pouch near the door and a “Bingo Sheet” attached to the outside of the ULD next to the pouch (for non automated loading).
• All curtains and doors on the ULDs must be properly closed and latched prior to dispatching the ULDs to the ramp for loading.
• Every item loaded into the container must be recorded on the Bingo Sheet or scanned for automated loading.
• As each bag is loaded into a ULD, the security sticker must be peeled off of its bag tag and placed on the bingo sheet and retained after departure with the flight documentation.
2.4.2 Baggage Tags
Apply sorting and loading procedures into containers and cards based on operating airline policy with respect to checked items tagged as:
• Priority baggage
• Heavy baggage
• Connection baggage
• Late (LMC) baggage
• Items containing dangerous goods (i.e. Dry Ice)
• Standby baggage
• Items with limited release tag
2.4.3 Baggage Cut-Off & ULD Load Verification Process
Once a flight has been closed for check-in, the Baggage room lead or the Baggage supervisor will:
• review total pieces for each ULD;
• pass on all baggage ULD figures including baggage counts for each container number and ULD numbers so that the total load summary can be prepared;
• Conduct a baggage room sweep to ensure there are no left behind bags.
If baggage is left behind, report to Baggage Services. Appropriate messages must be sent to the down line station and arrangements made to expedite the bag to the passenger.
2.4.4 Removal of Checked Baggage
If instructed to remove hold checked baggage, obtain the name and security number and number of pieces of baggage requiring removal. Refer to electronic records or the bingo sheets to identify the ULD where the baggage is located in order to offload.
The baggage is removed and must be re-screened prior to returning it to passenger services for further handling, subject to local security procedures.
In certain countries, higher baggage screening standards may apply and must therefore be followed.
Always communicate with gate or operating airline staff with respect to the addition or removal of any checked baggage.
2.4.5 Transfer Baggage
Through-label transfer baggage provided the connection is scheduled:
• the same day or
• the next day within 24 hours
• No change of airport
• Subject to local requirements
Do not through-label baggage–even at the passenger's request–in case of obvious undercutting of the Minimum Connecting Time (MCT).
An interline agreement must be in place with the connecting carrier.
2.4.5.1 Special Cases
Case Through-labeling Remark
Customs clearance required at Yes • Advise passenger to pick up baggage at the transfer point.
the transfer point • Refer to TIM/TIMATIC for country rules.
The passenger specifically wants No • Inform the passenger about the risk of missing the connecting flight.
his baggage at a transfer point
Animals in hold Yes • Only permitted if the continuing carrier has confirmed acceptance.
• Within permissible MCT.
2.4.6 Short Connection Baggage 2.4.6.1 Definition
Short connection baggage is baggage of passengers having an onward connection out of a hub with a short scheduled connecting time.
Baggage Handling Procedures—IGOM
2.4.6.2 Identification
Short connection baggage is identified by a remark on the baggage tag and/or by a separate short connection tag or sticker.
2.4.6.3 Handling Short Connection Baggage
Apply the following short connection baggage procedure at outstations.
• Identify all short connections out of the hub airport.
• Handle and prioritize as per operating airline procedure.
2.5 Baggage Security 2.5.1 General
Refer to the IATA Security Manual and Operating airline Ground Operations Manuals for guidance.
2.5.2 Handling of Hold Baggage
If passengers and crew members are required to personally identify their hold baggage before loading, do not load any baggage not identified.
Ensure there is no opportunity for the exchange of cabin baggage for hold baggage which may contain items to be used in a planned act of unlawful interference.
When screening of hold baggage gives rise to suspicion regarding the contents, the local screening authority will proceed as per local regulations.
2.5.3 Carriage of Weapons in Hold Baggage
Apply operating airline handling and acceptance procedures.
Munitions of war are to be secured at all times either with approved personnel or locked away in a secure location.
2.5.4 Security Removed Items
Items not permitted in hand baggage that are removed by security screening personnel may only be accepted in checked baggage, as per operating airline handling and acceptance procedures.
2.5.5 Transfer and Connecting Baggage
When passengers have to collect their hold baggage during the transfer process (because of immigration or security policies of a State), treat hold baggage as originating baggage.
• If baggage is collected landside, submit it to screening before loading on the aircraft.
• If the baggage is collected and transferred in the sterile area, re-screening may not be necessary.
Interline, transfer and connecting baggage must follow the reconciliation procedures as originating baggage, section 2.5.6.
2.5.6 Baggage Reconciliation 2.5.6.1 Originating Passengers
• Maintain passenger/baggage reconciliation for all flights, including:
○ standby passengers;
○ off-airport and group check-in passengers;
○ voluntary or involuntary deplaning.
2.5.6.2 On-Line, Transfer Passengers
• Baggage that is separated from the passenger must be subject to additional security controls.
2.5.6.3 Interline Passengers
• Do not load hold baggage of an interline passenger unless the passenger has a confirmed reservation for the onward flight and the baggage is matched by the onward operating airline.
• In case of high-risk airlines or high-risk flights, interline passengers may be required to identify the baggage before it is transported.
2.5.6.4 Disembarking Transit Passengers
• Offload the cabin and hold baggage of any passenger who disembarks earlier than the station of arrival.
2.5.6.5 Manual Baggage Reconciliation at Originating Station
• After acceptance, ensure checked baggage is kept in a secure area.
• Crew baggage should be individually identified and marked as crew.
• Secure the flight by matching the checked-in passengers to the boarded passengers. Confirm total boarded passenger count with crew. Confirm by head count if this is operating airline policy.
• If there are passenger discrepancies (minus or plus), they must be resolved prior to closing the aircraft door.
• Make every attempt to locate missing passengers and obtain visual proof of boarding and documents if they are located on the aircraft.
• As per operating airline procedures and government regulations, remove the checked baggage of passengers who check-in but fail to board.
• Notify crew of any last minute changes to passenger and/or baggage load.
2.5.6.6 On-Line Transfer Checked Baggage Reconciliation
• Load transfer between two flights of the same Operator (on-line) if the inbound passenger transfer message contains the passenger names and baggage details for control.
• If the passenger fails to transfer for any reason, the passenger's checked baggage must be removed.
2.5.7 Dangerous Goods in Baggage
Passengers and crew may carry commodities in their baggage which can be considered dangerous goods.
Refer to the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations for handling and acceptance procedures, and for a list of accepted dangerous goods for passenger use.
Agents should be aware of commonly carried items and question passengers when there is suspicion of their carriage. (e.g.
camping equipment, hunters).
Should undeclared or mis-declared dangerous goods be discovered, this must be reported to the operating airline and Supervisor, State of Authority, and all items not be permitted to travel.
2.6 Mishandled Baggage
2.6.1 Storage and Handling Mishandled/Unidentified/Unclaimed Baggage
Enter found baggage details into tracing system.
Hold such baggage in a safe and secure area where access is controlled.
Make sure such baggage is subject to additional security controls before being loaded into an aircraft. These controls could include a combination of:
• Manual search;
• X-ray;
• Simulation chamber;
• Vapor or trace analysis;
• Delayed onward dispatch for 24 hours or more;
• “RUSH”tag to be used;
• Follow the security requirements of the forwarding carrier;
• It is preferable to load unaccompanied baggage in the Aft Bulk hold of the aircraft;
• The number of unaccompanied bags with a “RUSH” tag must be included in the total load summary.
2.6.2 Mobility AIDS
Damaged, delayed or missing mobility aids should be handled as priority
• Provide a suitable equivalent loaned item or replacement as needed and as per operating airline policy
• Arrange for the repair or replacement of the item immediately
2.6.3 AVIH
Delay of or damage/injury to AVIH should be handled as priority
2.6.4 Legal Time Limits for Reporting
Loss, delay or damage to baggage must be reported immediately upon arrival, or within 7 days for damage, 21 days for delay, subject to operating airline procedures.
• Follow standards from the IATA Baggage Services Manual
Chapter 3: Cargo/Mail Handling Procedures
3.1 Cargo Acceptance
The primary objective for cargo acceptance handling is to ensure that consignments are ready for carriage in compliance with customer airline and IATA regulations, as well as with export rules and regulations of the originating point and import rules and regulations of the destination country, if applicable.
3.1.1 Cargo Acceptance–General
In general, all items to be transported using commercial aircraft need to pass through an acceptance process. There are certain procedures that have to be done no matter what the cargo is and other procedures that are only for certain types or categories of cargo.
• Only accept cargo types for which the facilities are suited, the staff are trained and which the airline carries.
• When doing or supervising the function of accepting cargo for air transport, always perform the following general steps:
○ Go through the Air Waybill (AWB) and where applicable other relevant documents, checking for accuracy and completeness. Do not record the AWB and accept the cargo until all missing and/or incorrect information has been provided and corrected.
○ Inspect the cargo for signs of tampering and damage before recording the AWB and accepting the cargo.
○ Check that the shipment description and number of items stated on the documentation matches the cargo presented at the time of acceptance.
○ If you find undeclared and/or mis-declared Dangerous Goods in cargo, do not accept the cargo. If you are not authorized to do so, call the Supervisor to handle the situation and complete the incident report.
○ Inspect any cargo and/or ULD delivered for transportation for damage. Ref. IGOM 3.3: Damage and Discrepancies.
○ Inspect the packaging of the cargo to make sure it is of a standard suited to the contents and able to protect the cargo from any accidental damage that could be caused during the normal handling and transporting of the cargo.
○ Make sure the packaging is constructed to:
– avoid any chance of damage to other cargo, the aircraft, the ULD, the handling equipment;
– avoid any risk to any people involved in handling the cargo;
– allow special labels to remain visible;
– avoid the use of plant/organic cushioning/absorbing materials such as straw and untreated wood products as they may be prohibited by quarantine restrictions.
○ Give reasons for refusing to accept the cargo to the person delivering the cargo.
○ Make sure that all documentation is sent on, captured correctly in a computer system, or handed over to the correct people, so that all the information is available to be able to load the flight correctly.
○ BUPs (Build Up Pallets) must be accepted only if properly palletized, contoured and netted.
3.1.2 Cargo Acceptance–Dangerous Goods (DG)
Dangerous Goods must be accepted in accordance with the current Dangerous Goods Regulations Manual.
3.1.3 Cargo Acceptance–Live Animals (AVI)
Live Animals must be accepted in accordance with the current Live Animals Regulations Manual.
3.1.4 Cargo Acceptance–Perishables (PER)
Perishable cargo must be accepted in accordance with the current Perishable Cargo Regulations.
Perishable cargo must be accepted in accordance with the current Perishable Cargo Regulations.